DGCA eases norms for passengers' convenience

The notorious fog of Delhi, which has thrown flight schedules out of gear for two days, has forced the government to step in. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has set new guidelines for airlines to prevent flight delays.

In its new measures to lessen flight delays, the DGCA has relaxed the visibility range bringing it down from 175 metre to 150 metre for operation of large aircraft. The step will facilitate flight operations at lower visibility conditions and reduce delays.

Also, aircraft which are not compliant with category 3B conditions will follow a separate "fog schedule" and such flights will be allowed to land only after 10 am.

The new measures will also ensure that airlines do not carry out boarding of passengers till the visibility reaches 125 metre.

Directions have also been given to airlines to ensure they adopt all possible means like e-mails and SMSs to keep passengers informed of the latest status of flights.

Airlines' helpline numbersWith flight schedules going haywire due to fog, airlines are also doing their bit to avoid inconvenience to the passengers. They have announced helpline numbers to allow the passengers any information related to their respective flights. These numbers are: